The days before the wedding ushered in strong winds, a bit of drizzle and some news.

'HB's coming last minute. Can you imagine?'

Ada looked at Dimity in the mirror. She was inspecting her trusty Jaeger suit and considering a new hat. Maybe a new piece of jewellery or something.

'That's nice.'

Dimity's expression was conciliatory.

'Well Julie said that she'll be arriving in a couple of hours. I said I'd ask you.'

'A couple of hours?'

Ada wavered. She didn't like being volunteered because people took advantage of her willingness to say yes. She always wanted to help people but sometimes it came at a cost. Dimity didn't normally steamroll her like this. She looked at her goddaughter reproachfully.

'Sorry, it's just that everyone else is full up. I've got three people and two cats booked in at mine. You've got the spare room for one. Would you mind?'

Ada sighed.

'No, it's fine.'

'She'd prefer to be at yours anyway. Much quieter. Mine and Julie's houses are going to be mayhem. You can knit and put on the gramophone like you usually do. She might like that.'

Putting it that way, Ada suddenly felt old and dull. She wasn't entirely sure if it would be Hecate's kind of thing either. Surely the woman liked to go out once in a while?

'She wouldn't want to be stuck at home being boring.'

Dimity tutted.

'You're not boring. Anyway, you'll have to bring her out with us anyway for the hen party. It'll be civilised, in a restaurant and everything.'

'Not for long' muttered Ada, who had extensive experience of the way that an evening with Dimity would invariably descend into tipsy chaos. She put down her outfit and went to go and clean the bathroom and check the spare room and was putting the finishing touches to it when Dimity arrived with their guest. Ada ran down to greet her and was struck at how immaculate she looked.

'Hecate, it's lovely to see you again.'

'Thank you for having me at such short notice. I apologise for putting you out.'

They exchanged pleasantries and Dimity departed, certain that Ada would be able to handle Hecate. She had brought a small suitcase with her and Ada took it and led her upstairs. Hecate looked around her with interest. Ada's cottage was cosy, much more to her taste than Dimity's noisy modern house.

'It's quieter here' she said.

'Yes. Much more private. If you don't mind Pendell clambering all over you. He's a bit of an attention seeker' said Ada. Hecate shot her a glance with an expression that Ada didn't recognise.

'Well here's your bedroom.'

Ada showed her the towels, toiletries and nightgown she had prepared for her. She had found it in a bag with some other things her ex had left, years ago. A modest garment, high necked with long sleeves. It had been the fashion a few decades ago although Ada hadn't taken to it herself. Now it was vintage. She'd felt dated when she found it. Soon she'd be considered vintage.

'Just in case you needed something to sleep in. Sorry about the nightgown. I haven't got anything else to fit you otherwise I would have lent you something of mine.'

The nightgown was very prim, she thought it would be appropriate considering that Hecate was attired much like she had all those years before. Although today her dress was a little different. Very tight in fact. With an open collar. Ada wondered about that. She paused as Hecate looked at the nightgown and murmured her thanks. She studied her more carefully. Hecate's posture was rigid as always but the line of her shoulders seemed a little more…relaxed? Her face seemed less tense as well. She looked away in case she was caught staring.

Pendell appeared and rubbed himself around Hecate's ankles. The same boots, Ada noticed. That hadn't changed. Hecate was instantly charmed and bent down to pick him up to cradle him in her arms. Ada was struck by the gentleness of her approach, in contrast to her usual sharp gestures. Hecate observed her over the top of Pendell's furry face.

'Black cats are my favourites' she said. Ada smiled and agreed.

'If I'd known that, I would have brought my previous cat to the internship for you to play with.'

'Oh?'

'Morgana. She was delightful. I'm sure you would have loved her. I got Pendell after she died.'

Hecate nodded solemnly and Ada wondered if bringing a cat to work would have been the key to getting to know her.

'Well, dinner is whenever you want it to be, if you're interested, we can go for a walk and I can show you around the town. I can cook or get a takeaway, whatever you want. I usually listen to music and knit when I stay in. You're welcome to join me for a quiet evening if you have no other plans. I tend to go out once a week but I'll have to save my energy for the hen party. Dimity can get rather wild.'

Did she imagine a slight flicker of amusement in the other woman's eyes?

'I'm happy with a quiet evening in' what was she said.